The Equality Act (H.R.5 / S. 788), sponsored by Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), “would add the new terms ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender identity’ to the definition of ‘sex’ in federal civil rights laws,” the US bishops’ conference noted, adding: “Each and every person should be treated with dignity and respect... Rather than offering meaningful protections for individuals, however, the Equality Act would impose sweeping regulations to the detriment of society as a whole.”